Presley Gerber had psychedelic drug treatment in Mexico just months before he died

Health & FitnessLifestyle
21 Sep 2026 • 6:41 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Presley Gerber had psychedelic drug treatment in Mexico just months before he died

Model Presley Gerber posted a video about undergoing treatment with a psychedelic drug just months before his death at the age of 27.

Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber, died on Sunday in a rehab facility.

An official cause of death has not yet been given.

Six months ago, in March, Gerber posted a video of himself having a “pre Ibogaine Flood Dose” in the Mexican city of Cancun.

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug that has gained attention for its use in treating substance use disorders – in particular, opioid and alcohol dependence.

It is illegal in the US but is legal to possess and administer in Mexico.

Gerber, pictured with his sister Kaia, posted a video of himself having a ‘pre Ibogaine Flood Dose’ in Mexico (Ian West/PA)

It is an unlicensed and experimental drug in the UK and is not available on the NHS.

In his video, Gerber is standing in a garden while a woman gently touches his face and rubs her hands together.

Alongside the video he wrote: “Pre Ibogaine Flood Dose – quiet moment before everything changed.

“I was absolutely terrified, and I knew I would be again if I ever had to face something like this (helps to not go into the situations you do that get ya there but that’s life sometimes.)

“My mantras were love yourself and lis gotta be the last time for this reason. letting go of control didn’t come easy, but I trusted there was something bigger than me guiding it. I knew why I was there.

“I faced what I had been running from, and somewhere in all of it, I started finding my way back to myself …. We shall see…. Praying it’s the last time I have to come back.

“Next time I’d like to choose. And absolutely can’t forget the incredible caring kind and on their s**t team. Helps a lot haha. And I made some dope ass friends there.”

Gerber (pictured with his family) spoke frequently about his struggles with depression and substance abuse (Ian West/PA)

Crawford commented on the video: “You are a warrior! Walked thru the fire to find yourself! So proud!”

His sister, model Kaia Gerber, added: “That’s my brother I am so damn proud.”

His father commented: “I’m so proud of you and your courage. Facing what’s hard takes real strength and watching you find your way back to yourself is everything. I love you so much.”

Gerber, the eldest child of the celebrity couple, was signed by IMG Models when he was 15 and modelled for brands including Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bottega Veneta.

In 2019, he was arrested for driving under the influence and was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to complete a DUI programme and two days of community service.

He spoke frequently about his struggles with depression and substance abuse.

Speaking on the podcast Studio 22 in 2023, Presley said:  “(Mental health) is an issue. It is such a big part of my life. It’s a 24/7 job, and there’s so much to it.

“That’s really what I want to do, help people, whether you’re depressed, you’re struggling with something that is having a negative effect on your body. I mean it could be anything, and there’s no judgment.”

Read More

Presley Gerber, son of Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, dies at 27

Lady Starmer appears at London Fashion Week for famous designer

Dario Vitale appointed Emporio Armani creative director in major brand shake up

Renowned celebrity fashion designer Bob Mackie dies at 87

Can fashion design its way out of extraction?

Ralph Lauren puts romance centre stage at New York Fashion Week show

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved